Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a meeting to assess the progress of infrastructure development and service enhancement within Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare sector. The review covered critical areas including ongoing construction projects, postgraduate medical education, faculty recruitment, and addressing doctor shortages in remote regions.
Key Discussion Points:
- Upgradation of New Government Medical Colleges (GMCs):
- Principals were directed to develop augmentation plans to reduce patient referrals, focusing on enhancing in-house capabilities.
- Emphasis was placed on improving critical care services through staff training and provision of essential equipment, with support from SKIMS and GMCs in Srinagar and Jammu.
- Postgraduate Medical Education:
- The status of applications for MD/MS, DM/MCH, and DNB programs was reviewed. 333 applications have been submitted, with some approvals already secured.
- Chief Secretary stressed the need for vigorous pursuit of National Medical Commission (NMC) approvals.
- Increase in MBBS Seats:
- Applications for increasing MBBS seats by 50 in new medical colleges are pending NMC inspection.
- Addressing faculty shortages is crucial, with directives to fill entry-level positions and utilize academic arrangements for higher posts.
- Addressing Doctor Shortages in Remote Areas:
- Incentives such as hardship allowances and non-practicing allowances were discussed to attract doctors to underserved regions.
- Identification of healthcare institutions with staff deficits was prioritized.
- 275 medical officers are set to be appointed, and 582 non gazetted vacancies have been referred to the Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Progress on projects under the PM ABHIM scheme was reviewed, including critical care blocks and Block Public Health Units.
- The procurement of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) for the State Cancer Institutes is nearing completion.
- Completion timelines for GMCs in Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Anantnag, and Baramulla were discussed, with GMC Udhampur targeted for completion by July 2025.
- The relocation of GMC Handwara is in its final stage.
- The pediatric hospital in srinagar is fully operational, and the Super Speciality Hospital in Jammu has a functional Cath Lab.
- Construction of 125 bedded hospital in Reshipora, Budgam, and 100 bedded Maternal & Child Health Hospital in Lamberi are underway, with expected completion in 2026.
- Coordination and Implementation:
- A three-member NMC Coordination Cell, chaired by the Secretary Technical, H&ME Department, was established to streamline the approval process.
- Appointment orders have been issued for 50 faculty and gazetted positions, and 51 candidates have been engaged under academic arrangements.
Outcomes:
The meeting emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir through infrastructure development, enhanced medical education, and addressing critical staffing shortages, particularly in remote areas.
